Over 25 years of

TRAINING HR PROFESSIONALS

-Since 1995-

About Us

The Department of Sociology, Psychology and Social Work launched the Masters Programme in Human Resource Development in 1995 in order to provide an integrated training programme which combined traditional HR functions with a wider emphasis on training, group dynamics, organisational dynamics and research skills. This innovative programme was built upon the traditional strengths of the department in teaching sociology, psychology and sociological psychology.

These foundations are still to be seen at the core of the programme that pays close attention to the interpersonal and group processes at the dyad, small group and organisational levels along with the theories of training, adult education, learning and development, as well as the traditional human resource management functions and the principles of strategic management. These have been blended into an amalgam of theory and practice in a scientist-practitioner model of education that prepares students to contribute to their organisations’ long-term as well as immediate development.

The programme also capitalises upon the opportunities that present themselves to develop students through the augmentation of the core programme with several workshops. Many of these were initiated in response to the gaps perceived in the students’ readiness for the competitive environment in the workplace. Others were prepared in answer to the employee challenges posed by our stakeholder groups. The result is a programme that has been pronounced, publicly, the best HR programme in the Caribbean by some members of the University Council of Jamaica. To date, the MSc. HRD programme has graduated over 360 students from its first 10 cohorts and now has 74 persons at various stages of completion.

The programme was designed and coordinated by Patricia Anderson and Don Robotham and is currently coordinated by a team comprising Pat Anderson, Clement Branche, Olivene Thomas and Disraeli Hutton. The HRD Lecturers and professionals who contributed to the design of courses and who also taught in the programme from its inception included Grace Martin-Hall, Disraeli Hutton, Neville Ying, Don Robotham and Clement Branche.

Vision

Our Vision

To be a globally recognised education, research and thought leadership partner in the development of world-class human resource professionals who propel organisational and societal change, create strategic alignments and sustainability in 21st Century organisations.

Our Mission

The Human Resource Development Graduate Programmes Unit at the University of the West Indies’ Mona Campus transforms global organisations and societies through the development of students who are equipped with the necessary academic, research and professional skills, theoretical knowledge in organisation and in the management and development of human resources by:

modelling the scientist-practitioner approach in the direct application of these competencies and knowledge;
providing innovative solutions that enhance individual, organisational and societal capabilities;
supporting leaders and employees in developing a culture of exceptional service and continuous learning, and
empowering employees to induce a sense of equity that contributes to organisational and societal development through their awareness of being respected, challenged and valued.

Mission

Our Values

We hold these values to define the core of who we are and how we operate:

Integrity – We live by our word, and will not flinch from upholding the highest ethical and moral principles in dealing with our various stakeholders.
Courage - We are unafraid to challenge convention, and interrogate ourselves and our stakeholders, as we seek bold and innovative solutions to our organisations’ and nations’ challenges.
Resilience – Through a strong sense of purpose and an ability to see our daily challenges as opportunities for growth, we lead organisational and national transformation.
Discipline – Our seriousness of purpose in working to engineer sustainable growth and transformation within Regional organisations and societies, guarantees that, at all times, we seek to meet the highest standards of interpersonal conduct and quality service delivery.
Accountability to all of our stakeholders - To the degree that we are able, each of us exhibits an intrapreneurial spirit where we take personal responsibility for achieving the Unit’s objectives.